Slot machine capable of displaying special picture consisting of a plurality of picture pieces and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

According to a slot machine of the present invention, display objects may be stop-displayed to a symbol display. Each of the display objects shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In a case where the picture pieces shown in the display objects stop-displayed to the symbol display form the predetermined picture, a predetermined profit different from a normal payout is offered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on US ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/038,983 filed on Mar. 24, 2008. The contentsof this application are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of displaying aspecial picture consisting of a plurality of picture pieces and acontrol method thereof.

2. Discussion of the Background

In conventional slot machines, when a player inserts game media such asmedals, coins or bills into an insertion slot of the slot machine andpresses a spin button, then a plurality of symbols are scroll-displayedto a display portion provided on the front surface of a casing and,thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically stopped, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,960,133, 6,012,983 and 6,093,102. In thiscase, when scroll-display of respective symbols starts by an input fromthe spin button, symbols are selected using random numbers, and theselected symbols are stop-displayed to the display portion. Then, when acombination of the stop-displayed symbols along a winning line is apredetermined winning combination (prize), a payout is conducted.

Further, among conventional slot machines, there are some slot machineswhich conduct two types of payouts which are a payout determinedaccording to the combinations of symbols rearranged along winning linesand a payout determined according to the number of displayed scattersymbols, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and US 2002-0065124-A1.In such a slot machine which conducts payouts based on such scattersymbols, there is no relationship between payouts and positions at whichthe scatter symbols are displayed.

Further, in the conventional slot machines, there exists a slot machineoffering a predetermined profit different from a normal payout to aplayer.

For example, there exists a slot machine that reserves a part of aconsumed credit and conducts a payout in such a large amount (so-called“jackpot”) as not to be paid out in the case of a normal winning, when apredetermined condition (for example, symbols being aligned in specificorder) is satisfied.

Furthermore, there also exists a slot machine executing a game differentfrom a basic game (in the present description, referred to as featuregame, e.g. bonus game comparatively advantageous for the player).Examples of the feature game include a free game. The free game is agame that can be played without consuming game media. For example, aslot machine executing a free game as a secondary game in the case ofestablishment of a predetermined condition (symbols being aligned in aspecific arrangement) in the basic game is disclosed in AU1972901-A1.

In such a slot machine that executes the feature game of this kind orgenerates a jackpot winning (slot machine offering a predeterminedprofit), the player normally plays the game expecting for receiving aprofit of the feature game or the jackpot (predetermined profit).

However, such a slot machine is generally configured to execute thefeature game or to generate the jackpot winning in the case that thesymbols are aligned in a predetermined arrangement or in the case thatspecific symbols in a predetermined number are displayed. Here, thecondition for offering of the predetermined profit is comparativelysimilar to the condition for offering of a normal payout in many cases.Accordingly, there tends to be happened a case where it is visiblyunclear to the player that a display of which symbols in whicharrangement leads to the predetermined profit. Consequently, it becomeshard to make the player have an expectation for the predeterminedprofit, so that there has been a problem that the slot machine fails tofully attract an interest of the player in the predetermined profit.

In light of the aforementioned problem, the present invention has beendevised, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slotmachine capable of fully attracting an interest of a player in apredetermined profit different from a normal payout and a control methodthereof.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983, U.S.Pat. No. 6,093,102, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999, U.S. 2002-0065124-A1, andAU1972901-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a slot machine having the followingconfiguration.

That is, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable ofvariably displaying a display object showing a normal symbol and apicture piece for forming a predetermined picture; and a controller. Thecontroller is programmed to execute processing of (A) stop-displaying atleast a plurality of the display objects after variably displaying theplurality of the display objects, to the symbol display, (B) offering anormal payout corresponding to the normal symbols shown by the displayobjects stop-displayed in the processing (A) or a combination of thenormal symbols, and (C) offering a predetermined profit different fromthe normal payout, as triggered by formation of the predeterminedpicture by the picture pieces shown by the display objectsstop-displayed in the processing (A).

According to the slot machine, the display object may be stop-displayedto the symbol display. The display object shows a picture piece forforming a predetermined picture. In the case that the picture piecesshown by the display objects stop-displayed to the symbol display formthe predetermined picture, a predetermined profit (for example, afeature game or a payout of a coin according to a jackpot) differentfrom a normal payout is offered. Namely, a condition for offering of thepredetermined profit is a display of the predetermined picture to thesymbol display (in the present description, also referred to as“completion of a predetermined picture”), which is different from a merearrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear tothe player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have anexpectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, andplayer's interest in the predetermined profit can be fully attracted.

Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has thefollowing configuration.

That is, the processing (C) is processing of offering the predeterminedprofit as triggered by formation of the predetermined picture by thepicture pieces shown by the display objects stop-displayed in apredetermined display area in the symbol display, out of the displayobjects stop-displayed in the processing (A).

According to the slot machine, the predetermined picture as a triggerfor offering the predetermined profit is displayed in the predetermineddisplay area in the symbol display. Accordingly, the player's attentioncan be concentrated on such a predetermined display area, so that theplayer can be absorbed in the game.

Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has thefollowing configuration.

That is, the slot machine comprises a memory capable of storing effectdata for conducting an effect. The predetermined display area includes Nunits (N being an integer equal to or more than 2) of individual displayareas. The processing (A) includes processing of stop-displaying thedisplay object in each of the individual display areas in succession.The controller is further programmed to execute processing of (D)conducting the effect based on the effect data stored in the memory, ifthe picture pieces shown by the stop-displayed display objects form apicture when the display objects have been stop-displayed in (N−1) unitsof the individual display areas, the picture being the predeterminedpicture to be completed when the picture piece for forming thepredetermined picture is stop-displayed in the last one of theindividual display areas.

According to the slot machine, the predetermined display area includes Nunits (N being an integer equal to or more than 2) of individual displayareas and the display objects are stop-displayed in respective displayareas in succession. When the display objects are stop-displayed in(N−1) units of the display areas, if the picture pieces shown in thestop-displayed display objects form the predetermined picture to becompleted when the picture piece for forming the predetermined pictureis stop-displayed in the last one of the individual display areas(namely, in the case of a li-zhi state for completion of thepredetermined picture), the effect is conducted based on the effect datastored in the memory.

Accordingly, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for thecompletion of the predetermined picture, as well as evoking the player'sattention on the predetermined picture.

The present invention provides a slot machine having the followingconfiguration.

That is, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable ofvariably displaying a display object showing a normal symbol and apicture piece for forming a predetermined picture; and a controller. Thecontroller is programmed to execute processing of (A) executing a normalgame after stop-displaying at least a plurality of the display objectssubsequent to a variable display of the plurality of the display objectsto the symbol display, the normal game being a game offering a normalpayout corresponding to the normal symbols shown by the stop-displayeddisplay objects or a combination of the normal symbols; and (B)executing a feature game different from the normal game, as triggered byformation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown bythe display objects stop-displayed to the symbol display, in the normalgame executed in the processing (A).

According to the slot machine, the display objects may be stop-displayedto the symbol display. Each of the display objects shows a picture piecefor forming a predetermined picture. In the case that the picture piecesshown in the display objects, which are stop-displayed to the symboldisplay, form the predetermined picture, the feature game different fromthe normal game (for example, a free game) is executed. Namely, acondition for generation of the feature game is a display of apredetermined picture, which is different from a mere arrangement or amere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player.Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have an expectation for thecompletion of such a predetermined picture, and player's interest in thefeature game can be fully attracted.

Further, the slot machine of the present invention preferably has thefollowing configuration.

That is, the processing (B) includes processing of (B-1) stop-displayingat least the plurality of the display objects after variably displayingthe plurality of the display objects to the symbol display in thefeature game, and (B-2) offering a predetermined profit different fromthe payout corresponding to the normal symbols shown by the displayobjects or the combination of the normal symbols, as triggered byformation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown bythe display objects stop-displayed in the processing (B-1).

According to the slot machine, as triggered by the formation of thepredetermined picture by the picture pieces shown in the display objectsstop-displayed in the feature game, the predetermined profit differentfrom the payout corresponding to the normal symbols shown in the displayobjects or the combination thereof is offered. For example, a featuregame different from the above-described feature game may be conducted.Further, the coin according to the jackpot may be paid out. Accordingly,it becomes possible to have the player have an expectation for thecompletion of the predetermined picture in the feature game, so that theplayer's interest in the feature game can be fully attracted. Moreover,it become possible to significantly increase the player's interest inthe completion of the predetermined picture in the normal game, so thatthe player can be absorbed in the game.

Further, the present invention provides a control method of a slotmachine, the control method having a following configuration.

That is, the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A)stop-displaying at least a plurality of display objects each showing anormal symbol and a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture,to a symbol display; (B) offering a normal payout corresponding to thenormal symbols shown by the display objects stop-displayed in the step(A) or a combination of the normal symbols; and (C) offering apredetermined profit different from the normal payout, as triggered byformation of the predetermined picture by the picture pieces shown bythe display objects stop-displayed in the step (A).

According to the control method of the slot machine, the display objectmay be stop-displayed to the symbol display. The display object shows apicture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In the case that thepicture pieces shown by the display objects stop-displayed to the symboldisplay form the predetermined picture, a predetermined profit (forexample, a feature game or a payout of a coin according to a jackpot)different from a normal payout is offered. Namely, a condition foroffering of the predetermined profit is a display of the predeterminedpicture to the symbol display, which is different from a merearrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly very clear tothe player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player have anexpectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, andplayer's interest in the predetermined profit can be fully attracted.

Further, the present invention provides a control method of a slotmachine, the control method having a following configuration.

That is the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A)executing a normal game after stop-displaying at least a plurality ofdisplay objects each showing a normal symbol and a picture piece forforming a predetermined picture subsequent to a variable display of theplurality of display objects to a symbol display, the normal game beinga game offering a normal payout corresponding to the normal symbolsshown by the stop-displayed display objects or a combination of thenormal symbols; and (B) executing a feature game different from thenormal game, as triggered by formation of the predetermined picture bythe picture pieces shown by the display objects stop-displayed to thesymbol display, in the normal game executed in the step (A).

According to the control method of the slot machine, the display objectsmay be stop-displayed to the symbol display. Each of the display objectsshows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In the casethat the picture pieces shown in the display objects, which arestop-displayed to the symbol display, form the predetermined picture,the feature game different from the normal game (for example, a freegame) is executed. Namely, a condition for generation of the featuregame is a display of a predetermined picture, which is different from amere arrangement or a mere number of the symbols and is visibly veryclear to the player. Accordingly, it is easier to have the player havean expectation for the completion of such a predetermined picture, andplayer's interest in the feature game can be fully attracted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a view illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix.

FIG. 1B is a view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayed to alower image display panel.

FIG. 1C is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayedto a lower image display panel.

FIG. 1D is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayedto a lower image display panel.

FIG. 1E is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayedto a lower image display panel.

FIG. 1F is another view illustrating an exemplary image to be displayedto a lower image display panel.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of aslot machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of theslot machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed in a slotmachine 10.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game executionprocessing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of display-objectrearrangement processing.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a relation among a type and a number ofrearranged normal symbols and a number of coin-outs.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of free game executionprocessing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of activation processing.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating peripheral device initializationprocessing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of activationprocessing executed by a central controller.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of aslot machine according to another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A general description of a present embodiment will be given by usingFIG. 1A to FIG. 1F.

FIG. 1A is a view illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix.

FIGS. 1B to 1F are views each illustrating an exemplary image to bedisplayed to a lower image display panel.

A symbol matrix SM illustrated in FIG. 1A is displayed to a lower imagedisplay panel 16 (a symbol display of the present invention) provided ina slot machine 10 (see FIG. 2). The symbol matrix SM is capable ofrearranging a total of 15 display objects in three rows and five columnstherein. The symbol matrix SM includes a first display area 100A, asecond display area 100B, a third display area 100C, fourth display area100D, and a fifth display area 100E.

Further, hereinafter, three rows included in the symbol matrix SM arealso referred to simply as “upper row”, “middle row”, and “lower low”.

When a start button 23 (see FIG. 2) provided in the slot machine 10 ispressed by a player, scrolling of the display objects is started in thesymbol matrix SM as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Then, the display objectsare rearranged in order of the first display area 100A, the seconddisplay area 100B, the third display area 100C, the fourth display area100D, and the fifth display area 100E.

In the present embodiment, three types of the display objects areprovided. Namely, a first display object shows the normal symbol. Asecond display object shows the normal symbol and the picture piece. Athird display object shows an odds symbol.

An example illustrated in FIG. 1B shows a state that three normalsymbols are rearranged in the first display area 100A and six specialsymbols are rearranged in the second display area 100B to the thirddisplay area 100C.

There are eight types of the normal symbol, that is, “10”, “J”, “Q”,“K”, “UMBRELLA”, “CLOUD”, “THUNDER”, and “SUN”. All the normal symbolscomprise so-called scatter symbols, and a payout is offered based on atype and a number of the rearranged normal symbols (see FIG. 7). Asillustrated in FIG. 7, a number of coin-outs in the case of a BET of asingle coin (hereinafter, also referred to as odds) is determined foreach type and each number of the normal symbols.

In the case that the odds symbol (“×3”) (see FIG. 1D) is rearranged, theodds are increased threefold.

The picture piece forms the predetermined picture. In the case that thedisplay objects showing the picture pieces are rearranged in appropriatepositions in the symbol matrix SM, the predetermined picture isdisplayed.

FIG. 1B illustrates a li-zhi state for completion of the predeterminedpicture (picture 110, see FIG. 1D). Namely, in the case that appropriatedisplay objects are rearranged in the fourth display area 100D, thepredetermined picture is displayed by the display objects rearranged inthe second display area 100B to the fourth display area 100D. Thedisplay of the predetermined picture by the display objects rearrangedin the second display area 100B to the fourth display area 100D is alsoreferred to as “The predetermined picture is completed.” in the presentdescription.

In FIG. 1B, as triggered by the li-zhi state for completion of thepicture 110, a li-zhi text image 120 showing a text of “Li-zhi! Enter afree game if the face mark completed ⋆” is displayed to the lower imagedisplay panel 16.

Further, a li-zhi effect image 130 is displayed to the lower imagedisplay panel 16.

Then, the display objects are rearranged in the fourth display area100D. FIG. 10 shows a state that the picture 110 has not been completed.As triggered by this, a bad-luck image 121 showing a text of “Almost . .. Bad luck . . . ” is displayed to the lower image display 16.

On the other hand, FIG. 1D shows a state that the picture 110 has beencompleted. As triggered by this, a picture-completion text image 122showing a text of “You did it! FREE GAME!!” is displayed to the lowerimage display panel 16.

Further, a picture-completion effect image 131 is displayed to the lowerimage display panel 16.

In the present embodiment, as triggered by the completion of the picture110, a predetermined number C of the free game (10 games, in the presentembodiment) are generated. In a free game period, a slot machine game isexecuted even a game medium is not BET. The slot machine game executedin a period other than the free game period is referred to as a normalgame, in the present description.

In the present embodiment, the display object rearranged in the normalgame is different from the display object rearranged in the free game.

The free game is as same as the normal game in that there may berearranged three types of the display objects including the displayobject showing the normal symbol only, the display object showing thenormal symbol and the picture piece, and the display object showing theodds symbol.

In the normal game, there has been described the case that the picturepieces form the picture 110. On the other hand, the picture pieces shownin the display objects to be rearranged in the free game form a picture111 (see FIG. 1E, hereinafter, also referred to as a first specialpicture) or a picture 112 (see FIG. 1F, hereinafter, also referred to asa second special picture).

As illustrated in FIG. 1E, when the picture 111 is completed, afirst-special-picture-completion text image 123 showing a text of “Youdid it! JACKPOT!!” is displayed to the lower image display panel 16, inaddition to a first-special-picture-completion effect image 132.

In the present embodiment, in the case that the first special picture iscompleted in the free game, a payout of a progressive jackpot isconducted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1F, when the picture 112 is completed, asecond-special-picture-completion text image 133 showing a text of“Remaining number of free game is increased!” is displayed to the lowerimage display panel 16, in addition to asecond-special-picture-completion effect image 124.

In the present embodiment, in the case that the second special pictureis completed in the free game, a predetermined number C is added to theremaining number of the free game.

There has been described the outline of the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of theslot machine.

In the slot machine 10, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuableinformation corresponding thereto is used as a game medium. However, inthe present invention, a game medium is not particularly limited.Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronicmoney, or a ticket. It should be noted that the ticket is notparticularly limited, and examples thereof include a ticket with a barcode, which will be described later.

Here, the slot machine 10 is a standalone type slot machine that is notconnected to a network, but the present invention can also be applied toa slot machine connected to a network.

The slot machine 10 includes: a cabinet 11; a top box 12 placed on theupper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door 13 provided at the frontface of the cabinet 11. The lower image display panel 16 is provided infront of the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 includes aliquid crystal display panel and the symbol matrix SM (see FIG. 1A) isdisplayed thereto. In the lower image display panel 16, there areprovided a number-of-credits display section 31 and a number of payoutsdisplay section 32 (not shown).

The number-of-credits display section 31 displays an image indicatingthe number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display section 32displays an image indicating the number of coins to be paid out as thepayout.

Further, a touch panel 69, which is not shown in the figure, is providedon the front face of the lower image display panel 16, and the playercan input various kinds of commands by operating the touch panel 69.

Below the lower image display panel 16, there are provided a controlpanel 20 comprised of a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 with each of whicha command according to the game progress is inputted by the player, acoin receiving slot 21 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet11, and a bill validator 22.

The control panel 20 is provided with a start button 23, a change button24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27.The start button 23 is used for inputting a command to start a game. Thechange button 24 is used for making a request of staff at a recreationfacility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting acommand to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to BET one coin on agame out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is used forinputting a command to BET the maximum number (50 coins in the presentembodiment) of coins that can be bet on a single game out of creditedcoins.

The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a falsebill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. It shouldbe noted that the bill validator 22 may be configured so as to becapable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode. At thelower front face of the main door 13, namely below the control panel 20,there is provided a belly glass 34 on which a character or the like ofthe slot machine 10 is drawn.

At the front face of the top box 12, an upper image display panel 33 isprovided. The upper image display panel 33 is provided with a liquidcrystal panel to display, for example, an image representing anintroduction of the contents of a game or a description of a rule of thegame.

Further, the top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29. Below the upperimage display panel 33, there are provided a ticket printer 35, a cardreader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits,date and time, an identification number of the slot machine 10, and thelike, and outputs the ticket as a ticket 39 with a barcode. The playercan make another slot machine read the ticket 39 with a barcode to playa game thereon, or can exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with billsor the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (forexample, a cashier in a casino).

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data into thesmart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and forexample, data for identifying a player and data on a history of gamesplayed by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, abill, or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, in place ofthe smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted. The data display37 is comprised of a fluorescent display or the like, and displays, forexample, data read by the card reader 36 or data inputted by the playerthrough the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is used for inputting a command anddata concerning the issue of a ticket and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slotmachine shown in FIG. 2.

A gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55,and a boot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another via aninternal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and anIC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is formed from a nonvolatile memory such asCompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores game programs and gamesystem programs. The game programs include a display-object selectionprogram. The aforementioned display-object selection program is aprogram for determining the display object to be rearranged in thesymbol matrix SM. The aforementioned display-object selection programincludes display-object weighing data in association with a plurality oftypes of payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The display-objectweighing data is data indicating the correspondence between therespective display objects, and one or more random numbers which fall ina predetermined numerical range (0 to 255). The payout ratios aredetermined based on payout-ratio setting data outputted from the GAL 54and, based on the display-objects weighing data associated with thepayout ratios, the display objects to be rearranged in the symbol matrixare determined.

Here, the display-object selection program includes a display-objectselection program for the normal game and the display-object selectionprogram for the free game. The display object to be determined by thedisplay-object selection program for the normal game includes thedisplay object showing the picture piece for forming the picture 110.Further, the display object to be determined by the display-objectselection program for the free game includes the display object showingthe picture piece for forming the picture 111 and the display objectshowing the picture piece for forming the picture 112.

Further, the game programs include odds data indicative of thecorrespondence relation among the type and the number of the rearrangednormal symbols and the number of coin-outs (see FIG. 7).

Further, the card slot 53S is configured so as to allow the memory card53 to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is connected to amother board 40 via an IDE bus. Thus, the memory card 53 can be ejectedfrom the card slot 53S, and then another game program is written ontothe memory card 53, and the memory card 53 can be inserted into the cardslot 53S, to change the type and contents of a game to be played on theslot machine 10. The game program includes a program associated with theprogress of a game. The game program also includes image data and sounddata to be outputted during the game. The image data includes image dataindicating a symbol matrix and image data indicating an effect imageaccording to the picture (the li-zhi effect image 130, thepicture-completion effect image 131, thefirst-special-picture-completion effect image 132, thesecond-special-picture-completion effect image 133, and the like).

The GAL 54 is a type of PLD having a fixed OR array structure. The GAL54 includes plural input ports and plural output ports and, whenpredetermined data is inputted to an input port, the GAL 54 outputs datacorresponding to the aforementioned data from an output port. The dataoutputted from this output port is the aforementioned payout-ratiosetting data.

Further, the IC socket 54S is configured to allow the GAL to be attachedthereto and detached therefrom and is connected to the mother board 40through a PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL 54 can be replaced with anotherGAL 54 to change the payout-ratio setting data.

A CPU 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 interconnected to one another viaan internal bus are connected to the mother board 40 by PCI bus. The PCIbus supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the mother board 40, aswell as transmitting a signal between the mother board 40 and the gamingboard 50. The ROM stores country identification information and anauthentication program. The boot Rom 52 stores an auxiliaryauthentication program and a program (boot code) to be used by the CPU51 for activating the auxiliary authentication program, and the like.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program)for authenticating a game program and a game system program. Theauthentication program is written along a procedure (authenticationprocedure) for checking and proving that a game program and a gamesystem program to be subject to authentication loading processing havenot been falsified, namely authenticating the game program and the gamesystem program. The auxiliary authentication program is a program forauthenticating the above-mentioned authentication program. The auxiliaryauthentication program is written along a procedure (authenticationprocedure) for proving that an authentication program to be subject tothe authentication processing has not been falsified, namely,authenticating the authentication program.

The mother board 40 is constructed with a general-purpose mother boardcommercially available (a printed circuit board on which basic parts ofa personal computer are mounted) and includes a main CPU 41, ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 42 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 43. The mother board 40is the controller of the present invention.

ROM 42 is constituted of a memory device such as a flash memory andstores thereon a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When BIOS is executed bythe main CPU 41, not only is initialization processing for predeterminedperipheral devices conducted, but a capture processing for the gameprogram and game system program stored on the memory card 53 is alsostarted via the gaming board 50. In the present invention, contents ofROM 42 may be rewritable or not rewritable.

RAM 43 stores data and a program used at the time of operation of themain CPU 41, and various flags. RAM 43 can also store the authenticationprogram read through the gaming board 50, the game program, and the gamesystem program. RAM 43 further stores data on the number of credits, thenumber of coins-in or coins-out for one game, and the like.

Further, in the RAM 43, a number-of-free-game storage area is provided.The number-of-free-game storage area stores data indicating theremaining number of the free game.

To the mother board 40, a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a doorPCB 80, which will be described later, are connected through respectiveUSBs. Further, the mother board 40 is connected with a power supply unit45. When the power is supplied from the power unit 45 to the motherboard 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated and thepower is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus so that theCPU 51 is activated.

The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected with equipment anddevices that generate input signals to be inputted to the main CPU 41,and equipment and devices operations of which are controlled by controlsignals outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a gameprogram stored in the RAM 43 based on an input signal inputted to themain CPU 41, thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processingand stores a result thereof in the RAM 43, or transmits a control signalto each of the equipment and devices as processing for controlling eachof the equipment and devices.

To the body PCB 60, there are connected a lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coindetecting portion 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel69, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a keyswitch 38S, and a data display 37. The lamp 30 lights up in apredetermined pattern based on a control signal outputted from the mainCPU 41.

The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11 and pays out apredetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 19 to the cointray 18, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. Thecoin detecting portion 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19,and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when detecting a payoutof a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 19.

The graphic board 68 controls, based on a control signal outputted fromthe main CPU 41, an image display to the upper image display panel 33and the lower image display panel 16. The number of credits stored inRAM 43 is displayed to the number-of-credits display section 31 (notshown) of the lower image display panel 16. The number of coins-out isdisplayed to the number-of-payouts display section 32 (not shown) of thelower image display panel 16. The graphic board 68 is equipped with VDP(Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a controlsignal outputted from the main CPU 41 and a video RAM which temporarilystores image data generated by VDP, and of the like equipments. Itshould be noted that image data used in generating image data with VDPis contained in a game program read from the memory card 53 and storedin RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a falsebill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. Whenaccepting a regular bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signalto the main CPU 41, based on the face amount of the bill. The main CPU41 stores, in the RAM 43, the number of credits according to the faceamount of the bill transmitted with the input signal.

The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket, based on a control signaloutputted from the main CPU 41, a barcode formed by encoding data suchas the number of credits, date and time, an identification number of theslot machine 10, and of the like data stored in the RAM 43, and outputsthe ticket as a ticket 39 with a barcode.

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and transmits the datato the main CPU 41 or writes data into the smart card based on a controlsignal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on thekeypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41when the keypad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37displays, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, dataread by the card reader 36 or data inputted by the player through thekeypad 38.

To the door PCB 80, there are connected a control panel 20, a reverter21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel20 is provided with a start switch 23S corresponding to the start button23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUTswitch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26Scorresponding to the 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET switch 27Scorresponding to the maximum BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S to27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of the buttons23 to 27 corresponding thereto is operated by the player.

The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 anddiscriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coinreceiving slot 21 by the player. Coins other than regular coins aredischarged from the coin payout exit 19. When the coin counter 21Cdetects a regular coin, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal tothe main CPU 41.

The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal outputted from themain CPU 41, and distributes a coin identified by the coin counter 21Cas a regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66, whichare disposed in the slot machine 10. Specifically, when the hopper 66 isfilled with coins, a regular coin is distributed into the cash box bythe reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filledwith coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The coldcathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the rear face sideof the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel33, and lights up based on a control signal to be outputted from themain CPU 41.

Next, processing executed in the slot machine 10 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed in the slotmachine 10 according to a first embodiment.

First, in the slot machine 10, activation processing is executed (stepS101). The activation processing will be specifically described later byusing FIG. 9 to FIG. 11.

After the activation processing, the main CPU 41 executes processing ofaddition of the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 as an interruptprocessing, on receiving a detection signal outputted from the coincounter 21C when the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 isdetected by the coin counter 21.

After the processing of step S101, the main CPU 41 determines whether ornot a free game flag is set (step S102). The free game flag is a flag tobe set as triggered by the completion of the picture 110 (see FIG. 1D)and is a flag indicating that it is currently the free game period (seestep S29 in FIG. 6).

When determining that the free game flag is not set, the main CPU 41executes normal game execution processing (step S200). The normal gameexecution processing will be specifically described later by using FIG.5 and FIG. 6. After executing the processing of step S200, the main CPU41 returns the processing to step S102.

When determining that the free game flag is set, the main CPU 41executes free game execution processing (step S300). The free gameexecution processing will be specifically described later by using FIG.8. After executing the processing of step S300, the main CPU 41 returnsthe processing to step S102.

Hereinafter, there will be described the slot machine game executionprocessing (the normal game execution processing and the free gameexecution processing) performed in the slot machine 10.

The main CPU 41 reads a game program and executes the game program toprogress a slot machine game.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot machine gameexecution processing.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a relation among a type and a number ofrearranged normal symbols and a number of coin-outs.

First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been BET(step S11). In the processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or notto have received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch 26Swhen the 1-BET button 26 is operated or an input signal outputted fromthe maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated.When determining that a coin has not been BET, the main CPU 41 returnsthe processing to step S11.

On the other hand, when determining that a coin has been BET in stepS11, the main CPU 41 executes processing for making a subtraction fromthe number of credits stored in the RAM 43, according to the number ofBET coins (step S12). It should be noted that, when the number of BETcoins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, themain CPU 41 does not execute the processing for making a subtractionfrom the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, and returns theprocessing to step S11. When the number of BET coins exceeds an upperlimit of the number of coins that can be BET on a single game (50 coinsin the present embodiment), the main CPU 41 does not execute theprocessing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored inthe RAM 43, and the processing is proceeded to step S13.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the start button 23 hasbeen turned on (step S13). In the processing, the main CPU 41 determineswhether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the startswitch 23S when the start button 23 is pressed.

When determining that the start button 23 has not been turned ON, themain CPU 41 returns the processing to step S11. It should be noted that,when the start button 23 is not turned ON (for example, when a commandto end the game is inputted without pressing the start button 23), themain CPU 41 cancels a result of the subtraction obtained in step S12.

On the other hand, when determining in step S13 that the start button 23has been turned ON, the main CPU 41 executes display-objectrearrangement processing (step S14).

Here, the display-object rearrangement processing will be described byusing FIG. 6.

First, the main CPU 41 executes display-object determination processing(step S20). In the processing, the main CPU 41 determines the displayobject to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM by executing thedisplay-object selection program described above.

Next, the main CPU 41 starts scroll-display of the display objects andrearranges the display objects in the first display area 100A to thethird display area 100C based on the determination result in step S20(step S21).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the rearrangement is inthe li-zhi state for the completion of the picture 110 (see FIG. 1D)(step S22). Namely, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the sixdisplay objects rearranged in the second display area 100B and the thirddisplay area 100C are the display objects for forming the picture 110.

When determining that the rearrangement is not in the li-zhi state forcompletion of the picture 110, the main CPU 41 rearranges the displayobjects in the fourth display area 100D to the fifth display area 100E(step S23) and terminates the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that the rearrangement is in theli-zhi state for the completion of the picture 110, the main CPU 41displays the li-zhi effect image 130 and the li-zhi text image 120 (seeFIG. 1B) to the lower image display panel 16 (step S24).

Next, the main CPU 41 rearranges the display objects in the fourthdisplay area 100D (step S25).

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the picture 110 iscompleted. Namely, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the ninedisplay objects rearranged in the second display area 100B to the fourthdisplay area 100D are the display objects for forming the picture 110.

When determining that the picture 110 is not completed, the main CPU 41displays the bad-luck image 121 (see FIG. 1C) to the lower image displaypanel 16 (step S27).

On the other hand, when determining that the picture 110 is completed,the main CPU 41 displays the picture-completion effect image 131 and thepicture-completion text image 122 (see FIG. 1D) to the lower imagedisplay panel 16 (step S28).

Thereafter, the main CPU 41 sets the free game flag (step S29) and setsthe remaining number T of the free game to T=C in thenumber-of-free-game storage area in the RAM 43 (step S30).

After executing the processing of step S27 or step S30, the main CPU 41rearranges the display object in the fifth display area 100E (step S31)and terminates the present subroutine.

The display-object rearrangement processing executed in step S14 in FIG.5 has been described by using FIG. 6.

After executing the processing of step S14, the main CPU 41 determineswhether or not a prize is established (step S15). Here, theestablishment of the prize refers to the rearrangement of two or morenormal symbols of at least one type, out of “10”, “J”, “Q”, “K”,“UMBRELLA”, “CLOUD”, “THUNDER”, and “SUN”, in the symbol matrix SM (seeFIG. 7). In the processing, the main CPU 41 counts the number of normalsymbol for each type, with regard to the rearranged display objects instep S14. Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the countednumber is equal to or more than two.

When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU 41executes processing according to payout of the coin (step S16). In theprocessing, the main CPU 41 determines the number of coin-outs based onthe type and the number of rearranged normal symbols with reference tothe odds data (see FIG. 7A) stored in the RAM 43.

For example, in the case that two “SUN” are rearranged when 2 coins areBET, the number of coin-outs is 50 (=25×2).

Here, in the case that the odds symbol is rearranged in the symbolmatrix SM, the number obtained by multiplying the number calculatedbased on the type and the number of the normal symbols by 3.

In the case of accumulating the coin, the main CPU 41 executesprocessing for adding a number of credits corresponding to thedetermined number of coin-outs. On the other hand, in the case of payingout coins, the main CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper 66in order to pay out the coin in number corresponding to the determinednumber of coin-outs.

When determining that the prize has not been established in step S15, orafter executing the processing of step S16, the main CPU 41 terminatesthe present subroutine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of free game executionprocessing.

First, the main CPU 41 executes the processing of step S41 to step S42,and since the processing is virtually the same processing as theprocessing of step S13 to step S14 in FIG. 5, the description thereof isomitted here.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the first specialpicture is completed (step S43). Namely, the main CPU 41 determineswhether or not the nine display objects rearranged in the second displayarea 100B to the fourth display area 100D are the display objects forforming the picture 111.

When determining that the first special picture is completed, the mainCPU 41 conducts the progressive jackpot (step S44). The number of cointo be paid out in the progressive jackpot is a number corresponding tothe value obtained by adding an initial payout value to an integrationvalue (the integration value of a part of the number of inserted gamemedia) stored in the RAM 43, and the payout is conducted as a hand pay.Examples of the processing conducted by the main CPU 41 in step S44include output of a notification sound from the speaker 29, lighting ofthe lamp 30, print of the ticket 39 with a barcode indicative of thenumber of coin-outs, and the like.

Since the slot machine 10 is a stand-alone type slot machine, a valueobtained by adding the initial payout value to the integration value(the integration value of a part of the number of inserted game media)on a single slot machine 10 is adopted as the payout of the progressivejackpot.

However, in the present invention, the integration value adopted in theprogressive jackpot is not limited to this example. For example, in thecase that the slot machine is connected to a network, there may beadopted an integration value on the slot machines of the same type in asingle casino, an integration value on the slot machines of the sametype provided in the same area (for example, state and country), and thelike.

When determining that the first special picture is not completed, themain CPU 41 determines whether or not the second special picture iscompleted (step S45). Namely, the main CPU 41 determines whether or notthe nine display objects rearranged in the second display area 100B tothe fourth display area 100D are the display objects for forming thepicture 112.

When determining that the second special picture is completed, the mainCPU 41 sets the remaining number T of the free game to T=T+C in thenumber-of-free-game storage area in the RAM 43 (step S46).

When determining that the second special picture is not completed instep S45, or after executing the processing of step S44 or step S46, themain CPU 41 executes processing of step S47 to step S48. Since theprocessing is virtually the same processing as the processing of stepS15 to step S16 in FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted here.

When determining that the prize has not been established in step S47, orafter executing the processing of step S48, the main CPU 41 sets theremaining number T of the free game to T=T−1 in the number-of-free-gamestorage area in the RAM 43 (step S49).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not T is zero (T=0) (stepS50). When determining that T is not zero, the main CPU 41 terminatesthe present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that T iszero, the main CPU 41 clears the free game flag (step S51) andterminates the present subroutine.

Subsequently, there will be described activation processing (see stepS101 in FIG. 5) by using FIG. 9 to FIG. 11.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of activation processing.This activation processing is the processing conducted by the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50. It should be noted that the memorycard 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S in the gaming board 50, andthe GAL 54 is mounted onto the IC socket 54S.

First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in thepower supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 areactivated (steps S1-1, S2-1). Inactivation of the mother board 40 andthe gaming board 50, individual processing is respectively executed inparallel. Namely, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the auxiliaryauthentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and conducts auxiliaryauthentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program,to previously check and prove that the authentication program is notfalsified before loading the program to the mother board 40 (step S2-2).Meanwhile, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOSstored in the ROM 42, and expands compressed data which is incorporatedin the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). The main CPU 41 then executesthe BIOS expanded into the RAM 43 to diagnose and initialize a varietyof peripheral devices (step S1-3). The processing of step S1-3 will bespecifically described later with reference to FIG. 12.

Since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program storedin the ROM 55, and stores the read authentication program into the RAM43 (step S1-4). At this time, according to the standard BIOS function ofBIOS, the main CPU 41 takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checkingsystem) and stores the authentication program into the RAM 43, whileconducting processing for confirming whether or not the storage iscertainly conducted.

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card 53 inserted in the card slot53S, to read a game program or a game system program from the memorycard 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads data constituting the gameprogram and the game system program by 4 bytes. Subsequently, the mainCPU 41 conducts authentication to check and prove that the read gameprogram and game system program have not been falsified, following theauthentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When thisauthentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU 41 writesand stores the game program and the game system program, which have beenthe authentication targets (which have been authenticated), into the RAM43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 accesses, via the PCI bus, the GAL54 mounted on the IC socket 54S, reads payout ratio setting data fromthe GAL 54, and writes and stores the data into the RAM 43 (step S1-7).Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for reading countryidentification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50via the PCI bus, and writes and stores the read country identificationinformation into the RAM 43 (step S1-8).

After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the main CPU 41sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game systemprogram, thereby execute insurance setting processing and game executionprocessing.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating a procedure of peripheral-deviceinitialization processing.

First, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes a reel-related device(step S3-1). In this processing, the main CPU 41 sequentially transmitsrequest signals to the index detecting circuit 65, the position-changedetecting circuit 71, and the motor driving circuit 62. Then, the mainCPU 41 determines whether or not to have received predetermined responsesignals and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and thelike.

Next, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes a display (step S3-2).In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmits the request signal to thegraphic board 68. Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not tohave received a predetermined response signal and conducts clearance ofa predetermined storage area, and the like.

Next, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes various types of inputdevices (step S3-3). In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmitsrequest signals to the input devices such as the spin switch 23S, thechange switch 24S, the CASHOUT switch 25S, the 1-BET switch 26S, themaximum BET switch 27S, and the touch panel 11, and then determineswhether or not to have received predetermined response signals.

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes other peripheraldevices connected to the main CPU 41 (step S3-4). Then the presentsubroutine is terminated.

In the present embodiment, there has been described the case where theslot machine 10 is a stand-alone type slot machine. However, in thepresent invention, a plurality of slot machines may be connected to acentral controller via a network and controlled by the centralcontroller.

FIG. 11 is a chart illustrating a procedure of activation processingexecuted by the central controller.

First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is turned on) inthe power unit, a mother board is activated (step S4-1).

In the mother board, a CPU executes a BIOS stored in a ROM so as toexpand compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into a RAM (step S4-2).Then, the CPU executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM, and then,diagnoses and initializes various types of peripheral devices such as adisplay (step S4-3).

Next, the CPU executes initialization processing of each slot machine.In this processing, the CPU establishes a network connection between thecentral controller and each slot machine, and diagnoses if the networkfunctions properly.

After the above-described processing, the CPU controls proceeding of thegame executed in a plurality of the slot machines by reading andexecuting a game control program.

As above described, according to the slot machine 10 of the presentembodiment, the display objects may be rearranged in the symbol matrixSM. Among these display objects, there exists the display object showingthe picture piece for forming the predetermined picture (picture 110).Then, the free game is executed in the case that the picture piecesshown by the display objects rearranged in the symbol matrix SM form thepredetermined picture. Namely, a condition for generation of the freegame is a display of a predetermined picture in the symbol matrix SM,and the condition is different from a mere arrangement or a mere numberof the symbols and is visibly very clear to the player. Accordingly, itis easier to have the player have an expectation for the completion ofsuch a predetermined picture, and player's interest in the free game canbe fully attracted.

Further, according to the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, thepicture 110 as a trigger for generating the free game is displayed inthe predetermined display area (the second display area 100B to thefourth display area 100D) in the symbol matrix SM. Accordingly, theplayer's attention can be concentrated on such areas. Accordingly, it ispossible to have the player absorbed in the game.

Furthermore, according to the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment,the display objects are sequentially rearranged in the second displayarea 100B to the fourth display area 100D, in which the picture 110 maybe displayed. When the display objects are rearranged in the seconddisplay area 100B and the third display area 100C, if the picture piecesshown in the rearranged display objects form the picture 110 to becompleted when the picture piece for forming the picture 110 isstop-displayed in the fourth display area 110D (namely, in the case ofthe li-zhi state for completion of the predetermined picture), theli-zhi effect image is displayed.

Accordingly, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for thecompletion of the picture 110, as well as evoking the player's attentionon the predetermined picture.

Further, according to the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, astriggered by the formation of the picture 111 by the picture piecesshown in the display objects rearranged in the free game, a payout ofthe progressive jackpot is conducted. Further, as triggered by theformation of the picture 112 by the picture pieces shown in the displayobjects rearranged in the free game, the remaining number of the freegame is increased. Accordingly, it becomes possible to have the playerhave an expectation for the completion of the picture 111 or the picture112 in the free game, so that the player's interest in the free game canbe fully attracted. Moreover, it becomes possible to significantlyincrease the player's interest in the completion of the picture 110 inthe normal game, so that the player can be absorbed in the game.

In the above-described embodiment, there has been described the casewhere the symbols (the normal symbol and the special symbol) arerearranged in the symbol matrix SM in the lower image display panel 16(the case where the slot machine 10 is a so-called video slot machine).However, a slot machine of the present invention may be configured suchthat the symbols (the normal symbol and the special symbol) arestop-displayed by using a so-called mechanical reel.

In the following, a slot machine 310 having such a configuration will bedescribed.

It is to be noted that in the following, the same constituents as thoseof the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment are describedwhile provided with the same numerals.

Further, a description will be omitted as for a part to which thedescription of the slot machine 10 is applicable.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of aslot machine according to another embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, five reels 314 (314A, 314B, 314C, 314D and314E) are rotatably provided within a cabinet 11. On the outerperipheral surfaces of the reels 314A, 314B, 314C, 314D and 314E, thereare drawn display objects sequences constituted by display objects eachshowing normal symbols only, such as “10”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “UMBRELLA”,“CLOUD”, “THUNDER”, and “SUN”, and the display objects each showing thenormal symbols and the picture piece for forming the predeterminedpicture (the picture 110, the picture 112, the picture 112).

At the center portion of the lower image display panel 16, there isprovided a display area 328 for displaying the symbols. Within thedisplay area 328, there are formed five display windows 315 (315A, 315B,315C, 315D and 315E) visible through their back surfaces. Further, thesymbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 314A, 314B,314C, 314D and 314E are displayed on a three-by-three basis, through thedisplay windows 315A, 315B, 315C, 315D and 315E.

An internal configuration and flowcharts of the slot machine 310 arevirtually the same as those in the above-described embodiment, andtherefore, the description thereof will be omitted here.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toembodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate concreteexamples, not restrict the present invention. The concrete structures ofrespective means and the like can be designed and changed as required.Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects ofthe present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in theembodiments of the present invention. The effects of the presentinvention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristicportions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding thepresent invention. The present invention is not limited to theembodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, butcan be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range ofapplications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the presentspecification have been used for clearly describing the presentinvention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention.Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures,systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of thepresent invention, from the concept of the present invention describedin the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claimsis intended to include equivalent structures that fall within thetechnical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enablingengineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but arenot familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent,law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technicalcontent and the essence of the present application through briefstudies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scopeof the invention which should be evaluated from the description of theclaims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have beenalready disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order tosufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and thespecific effects of the present invention.

In the aforementioned detailed description, there have been describedprocessing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned descriptionand expressions have been described for the sake of enabling thoseskilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively.In the present specification, each step for deriving a single resultshould be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, eachstep includes transmission, reception, recording and the like ofelectric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step,such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters,terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that theyhave been merely used for convenience of description. Further, althoughthe processing at each step was described using expressions common tohuman behaviors in some cases, the processing described in the presentspecification are to be executed by various types of devices, inprinciple. Further, other structures required for conducting each stepwill be apparent from the aforementioned description.

1. A slot machine comprising: a symbol display capable of variablydisplaying a display object showing a normal symbol and a picture piecefor forming a predetermined picture; and a controller, said controllerprogrammed to execute processing of (A) stop-displaying at least aplurality of said display objects after variably displaying theplurality of said display objects, to said symbol display, (B) offeringa normal payout corresponding to the normal symbols shown by the displayobjects stop-displayed in said processing (A) or a combination of thenormal symbols, and (C) offering a predetermined profit different fromsaid normal payout, as triggered by formation of said predeterminedpicture by the picture pieces shown by the display objectsstop-displayed in said processing (A).
 2. The slot machine according toclaim 1, wherein said processing (C) is processing of offering saidpredetermined profit as triggered by formation of said predeterminedpicture by the picture pieces shown by the display objectsstop-displayed in a predetermined display area in said symbol display,out of the display objects stop-displayed in said processing (A).
 3. Theslot machine according to claim 2 further comprising a memory capable ofstoring effect data for conducting an effect, wherein said predetermineddisplay area includes N units (N being an integer equal to or more than2) of individual display areas, said processing (A) includes processingof stop-displaying said display object in each of said individualdisplay areas in succession, and said controller is further programmedto execute processing of (D) conducting the effect based on the effectdata stored in said memory, if the picture pieces shown by thestop-displayed display objects form a picture when said display objectshave been stop-displayed in (N−1) units of said individual display areasin said processing (A), said picture being said predetermined picture tobe completed when the picture piece for forming said predeterminedpicture is stop-displayed in the last one of said individual displayareas.
 4. A slot machine comprising: a symbol display capable ofvariably displaying a display object showing a normal symbol and apicture piece for forming a predetermined picture; and a controller,said controller programmed to execute processing of (A) executing anormal game after stop-displaying at least a plurality of said displayobjects subsequent to a variable display of the plurality of saiddisplay objects to said symbol display, said normal game being a gameoffering a normal payout corresponding to the normal symbols shown bythe stop-displayed display objects or a combination of the normalsymbols; and (B) executing a feature game different from said normalgame, as triggered by formation of said predetermined picture by thepicture pieces shown by the display objects stop-displayed to saidsymbol display, in said normal game executed in said processing (A). 5.The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein said processing (B)includes processing of (B-1) stop-displaying at least the plurality ofsaid display objects after variably displaying the plurality of saiddisplay objects to said symbol display in said feature game, and (B-2)offering a predetermined profit different from the payout correspondingto the normal symbols shown by the display objects or the combination ofthe normal symbols, as triggered by formation of the predeterminedpicture by the picture pieces shown by the display objectsstop-displayed in said processing (B-1).
 6. A control method of a slotmachine, said control method comprising steps of: (A) stop-displaying atleast a plurality of display objects each showing a normal symbol and apicture piece for forming a predetermined picture, to a symbol display;(B) offering a normal payout corresponding to the normal symbols shownby the display objects stop-displayed in said step (A) or a combinationof the normal symbols; and (C) offering a predetermined profit differentfrom said normal payout, as triggered by formation of said predeterminedpicture by the picture pieces shown by the display objectsstop-displayed in said step (A).
 7. A control method of a slot machine,said control method comprising steps of: (A) executing a normal gameafter stop-displaying at least a plurality of display objects eachshowing a normal symbol and a picture piece for forming a predeterminedpicture subsequent to a variable display of said plurality of displayobjects to a symbol display, said normal game being a game offering anormal payout corresponding to the normal symbols shown by thestop-displayed display objects or a combination of the normal symbols;and (B) executing a feature game different from said normal game, astriggered by formation of said predetermined picture by the picturepieces shown by the display objects stop-displayed to said symboldisplay, in said normal game executed in said step (A).